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Russell Westbrook is Completely Turning the Tables on His Haters

Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook has long been known as an individual player. It's safe to say he isn't known as a player who makes those around him better. This style of play has resulted in a lot of criticism.

Now, Westbrookseems to be expanding his game. He's allowed his star teammate, Paul George,to take the spotlight, while still contributing.

Some folks just don't like Westbrook or the way he plays, and he'll never win them over. But he's doing so many of the things people have wanted him to -- ceding the floor to George (and Schroder), focusing on playmaking for others, playing below the 3-point line more, etc.

Russ definitely has his haters, but it looks like he's taking what people say about him to heart. His triple-double against the Houston Rockets shows he's trying to help his team succeed as a whole. He had 11 assists in the 117-112 win over James Hardenand the Rockets. Westbrook allowed George to handle the ball, which resulted in 45 points for the PG13.

Last thought: There was this narrative around Westbrook that players perform better when they get away from him. Except this season the four other players that start alongside him are having the best seasons of their careers.

The Thunder's teamwork, headed by Westbrook, is a primary reason why they're sitting pretty at third in the west with a record of 36-19. They've won their last three games and seem only to be trending up.

It might be hard to be a Russ hater if he keeps playing this new style.